Working With Children

Why do I need a WWC check?

Students who are required to undertake a practical placement in either a hospital, rehabilitation facility, home and community care, education support or disability services provider as part of their course are required to apply for a Working with Children Check (WWC). This may also be known as a “Blue Card” in some jurisdictions.

Some placement venues may allocate students to areas where they may be required to engage with children. Phillips Institute courses to which this may apply include the HLT33115 Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (PSA), the CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability or Home and Community Care specialisations), the CHC40213 Certificate IV in Education Support and the CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability.

How much will it cost?

There is no charge for the WWC check for volunteers, and as a student on placement, you should ensure you apply initially as a volunteer.

How do I apply?

You must apply online for this check yourself, as Phillips Institute cannot perform this check on your behalf.

Depending on processing time, the card you receive needs to be taken to all venues. Your application receipt should be carried with you to all venues until you receive the card.

Students in Victoria need to apply online as a volunteer at the following website:

When completing the online application, please ensure you provide your *Course code, Course name and Phillips Institute details to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.

*This is an Example of how to complete some of the details on the form:

Course code

Course title

Organisation

HLT33115

Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

Phillips Institute
75A Koornang Road
Carnegie
Victoria 3163

Further details can be obtained by referring to the Working with Children Check Application Guide at the above website link.

What if my details change?

Holders of a WWC card have a responsibility to notify the government department within 21 days of any changes to their personal details as provided in your application, including the organisation you do child-related work for and their contact details.

For example, when you finish your student placement as a volunteer and then use the card to seek employment, you should update your details through the online application page at the above link.

I have an old card – can I use it?

Check at the online link above – you may be able to update your details online rather than make a new application.

I’m not a Victorian student – do I still need this?

Students undertaking placements in states or territories other than Victoria should check the following link for further details: